THE Home Secretary has spoken of her disappointment at the decision to approve plans for the Rivenhall incinerator.

Witham MP Priti Patel has long opposed the proposals and says the new waste plant will leave a 'dark shadow' over mid Essex when built.

Ms Patel was speaking after the Environment Agency granted a permit for the new incinerator - which will operate with a 35m chimney.

She said: "This decision to grant the permit will cause huge levels of disappointment and anger across this part of Essex and beyond. Communities are extremely concerned about the impact the incinerator will have and the risks its operation poses to the environment and to health.

"I have made direct representations to the Environment Agency and it is frustrating to see this decision being taken after all the evidence and objections that have been submitted to them.

"The community has come together to fight this development at every stage but that original decision from early 2010 has cast a dark shadow over this part of Essex and led to the outcome we now see from the Environment Agency."